The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle became unstable and the rear driver's side wheel failed rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a friend's home and later examined by a local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear driver's side suspension swing arm had fractured due to severe rusting and…
2007 Honda Element suspension problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 14 suspension complaints filed for the 2007 Honda Element, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Honda Element in our records for suspension problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2007 Honda Elements report widespread failure of the rear trailing arm and suspension mounting points due to rust and corrosion. The frame rusts from the inside out, causing the rear trailing arm mount to fracture and separate from the unibody without warning—sometimes during ordinary driving at moderate speeds (25–40 mph), sometimes after highway driving at 70 mph. When this happens, the rear driver-side wheel pulls out of alignment, jams into the fender, or detaches entirely, instantly destroying vehicle control.
Failures occur across a range of mileages (102,000 to 169,000 reported) and can happen after minimal warning. Independent mechanics confirm the damage is non-repairable. Owners note Honda issued a recall for the same defect on 2007 CR-V models (which share the platform) in the U.S., and recalled the Element in Canada, but has declined to recall it domestically. American Honda reportedly denies knowledge of the problem in the U.S. market, despite internal acknowledgment.
The 2007 Element CS also exhibits a separate issue: non-adjustable camber causes premature, uneven tire wear and cupping, even on new tires after alignment service. Owners report loud noise and shaking at highway speeds.
Same Honda Element suspension reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Trailing Arm/Suspension Mount Corrosion and Fracture
Rust and corrosion of the rear trailing arm mounting points and suspension subframe cause the mount to fracture and detach from the unibody, allowing the rear wheel to separate or become misaligned. Owners report the frame rusts 'from the inside out,' making the fracture inherent to the design and not repairable.
When: Occurs unexpectedly during normal driving; reported between 102,000 and 169,000 miles, though some failures noted at lower speeds after minimal warning signs
Symptoms owners cite: Loose or unstable rear end while driving; Rear wheel pulling out of alignment or jamming into fender; Rear driver-side wheel separating or detaching; Loss of steering control or loose steering around turns; Frame separation visible when vehicle is lifted; Visible rust and corrosion on rear suspension mounting areas
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanics state the damage is not repairable; rear axle replacement required if caught early. Owners report dealers and Honda America have declined assistance or denied knowledge of the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda America denies knowledge of the defect in the U.S., despite recall issued in Canada for the same issue on 2007 Honda Element. Same defect was recalled on 2007 Honda CR-V (same platform). 2008 models and later were corrected.
Premature and Uneven Tire Wear / Tire Cupping (2007 Element CS models)
Non-adjustable camber in 2007 Element CS models causes tires to wear unevenly and cup prematurely, even on new tires after wheel alignment. Owners report this creates a risk of blowout.
When: Occurs early in tire life; issue recurs across multiple tire sets despite alignment service
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from rear of vehicle, especially on freeway acceleration; Vehicle shaking or vibration at highway speeds (55+ mph); Uneven and cupped tire wear; Tires wearing out prematurely
Repairs/costs cited: Four-wheel alignment performed but does not resolve the issue because camber cannot be adjusted on this model and year. Tire replacement required but problem recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda America acknowledged awareness of the defect but stated they do not consider it a life-threatening issue. Problem was corrected in 2008 models and subsequent years.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had suspension trouble with your 2007 Honda Element?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2007 Honda Element?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 101,282 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Honda/Element.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.